Give me your music, your art, your huddled masses of words and rhythms yearning to breathe free.
Today, as I give thanks for all the people, events and opportunities that have enriched my life, I’d also like to acknowledge my gratitude for the cosmic forces that came together in the 20th century to create the music that saved my soul: rock and roll. I am thankful… That Woody Guthrie crusaded for the … Read more
Like many sprouting rock fans living in the hinterland – in the days before cool FM radio, streaming Internet and MTV – I stayed up till the wee hours, slowly turning the dial on my little radio, in search of The Hits of the Day. Finding nothing but yakety-yak talk shows and cryptic transmissions sounding … Read more
If you think everyone’s making too big a fuss over what would have been Frank Sinatra’s 100th birthday today, then you might have been born too late or you aren’t aware that he was the original bad-ass rock star. Here’s my favorite Frank moment, from the 1957 film “Pal Joey.” I know it’s staged, but … Read more
Chuck Berry is the head of my holy rock trinity, which includes John Lennon and Bob Dylan. And today’s his 89th birthday. I’ll always love this ornery old genius. I had only one chance to see him live, performing a short outdoor set during the Three Rivers Arts Festival in 1983. Sure, his guitar sound … Read more
Woody Guthrie, born 103 years ago today, is best known as the dust bowl balladeer who wrote many of America’s most beloved songs, including “This Land Is Your Land.” He was a free spirit and a sprite, a vagabond minstrel who spent his 55 years on earth using music to empower the common man. He … Read more